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right, let alone lie down to sleep. Torches now lit the area and fires blazed in the hearth at each end. The stores of weapons and food had been removed, the stone floor spread thickly with rushes. Perhaps, packed together like fish, four or five hundred servants would be able to find places to lie down. Another hundred servants of the better sort would sleep on the floor above with their masters. Alinor shrugged, then shivered as the cold struck through her woolen gown and tunic. She gave instructions that the fires were to be kept going night and day. Eventually the walls would absorb some heat, and the atmosphere would become more livable. |
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That was fine for those who would be there, but what about the four or five hundred others? The horses would have to be moved outside the keep with the other animals. The stables were the best of the outer buildings. Properly swept, there would be room for another few hundred. Then Alinor uttered an exclamation of annoyance. The weather had been remarkably fine, but it certainly could not be trusted at this time of year. She did not want her horses exposed continually if there were to be much rain, snow, or cold. Shelters would have to be constructed not only for her animals but for the mounts of her guests. And that, she realized with a sigh of relief, would solve her other problem also. The meaner servantsthe grooms, horseboys, carters, and the likecould sleep with the horses. It was good enough for them and would rid the keep of their noise and smell. |
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Alinor climbed the stairs to the great hall and sent a maid to fetch her furred cloak, while she warmed herself for a few minutes at the fire. When the maid returned, she went down the stairs again and out to inspect the stables, with a view to human habitation. Obviously it would not be safe to have fires here. Alinor told one of the gaggle of menservants who trailed behind her to go search out all the charcoal braziers in the keep. Of |
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